Ian was born 29 December 1958, he has been married to Susan for 31 years, and they have one son Matthew aged 12. Ian began work on West Falklands as stocksman in 1974 and purchased Main Point Farm in 1987, which breeds fine wool sheep on the 18,000 acres of land.

Ian was Chair of Rural Business Association from 2000-2003. Elected in 2003 by-election to Legislative Council in 2003, then re-elected in 2005 through to 2009. Ian was again re-elected in a by-election in 2011.

Ian's interests are mainly following all sports (particularly soccer) training sheepdogs and reading.